Meditating

I was going through some files to prepare for a sermon, and I came across a quick Bible survey I did several years ago on the idea of meditation.  Here’s what I read from various passages, particularly in the Psalms:

Q. When should you meditate?
A. Anytime (although before dawn seems to be a favourite)

Q. Why would I want to meditate?
A. To have a fulfilled life, prospering and finding true salvation, wisdom and understanding.

Q. What is the goal of meditation?
A. To obey God, to be encouraged to keep going, to realize that God is supreme

Q. What should I meditate on?
A. On God’s Word, on God Himself and on what God has done.  (In the Bible, there’s no hint of the modern concept of “emptying your mind” to meditate.  There is an object that we are to meditate on.  However, of course some concepts are still the same, such as learning to focus and concentrate.  In the Bible, however, meditation is something that can be done all day long, as you go about other activities.)

Q. How do I meditate?
A. Already implied above, but there is a way in which we are to approach God and His Word.  We are to enjoy it, delight in it, love it, and give ourselves entirely to it’s Truth.

A couple of important passages relating to meditation are Psalm 119, Joshua 1:8 and 1Timothy 4:15.